Melbourne City’s Nick Fitzgerald pointed to a stronger work ethic and defensive solidity as his side got off to a perfect start to the new Hyundai A-League season on Friday night.
City defeated Roar 2-0 with a goal in each half from winger Bruce Kamau the difference in front of almost 10,000 fans.
“It’s a great start and a clean sheet as well which is great for the boys down back who did the job,” Fitzgerald told Fox Sports.
“And the midfield was great as well, we got wide and let Bruce [Kamau] do his thing. The team has to gel a little bit but it’s a great start.
“Happy to start with a clean sheet and our work ethic in the off-season has been top notch – and the boys are open to it [a new work ethic].”
While clearly not at their best and with key men Tim Cahill, Fornaroli and Brandan to come back in, City midfielder Luke Brattan was cautiously confident after the win.
He said this season’s squad is a different one to previous seasons.
“Mentality – we’ve worked all season about being solid defensively,” he told Fox Sports.
“It was our weakness last year when we copped goals.
“We played well, kept the ball [against Roar] but we still have to finetune things,” he added.
The win will be a timely boost as they now prepare for another huge Melbourne Derby in Round 2 next weekend.
